Ex-Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez expresses his views on Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, the place where the Portuguese icon lives his football passion to the fullest and inspires his team.
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to prove that at 40 years old, he remains a living legend in world football. Former Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez recently revealed unforgettable impressions of his new teammate at Al-Nassr, where the Portuguese superstar not only scores goals but also inspires through his professionalism and humility.
When leaving Barcelona to join Al-Nassr this summer, Martínez was surprised by how Ronaldo welcomed the new players. "That was one of the things that caught me off guard since I arrived," the 34-year-old defender shared. "He waited for me at the hotel; it was their day off, yet he stayed to greet me that evening. I don’t know what time it was, but he was there to meet me, talk, and keep me company. He is very approachable and extremely driven, which benefits all of us. He lives and breathes football. It’s his passion, and here he continues to do exactly what he’s done every year."
Ronaldo, who has won 5 Ballon d'Or awards and set numerous Champions League records, quickly became the centerpiece of Al-Nassr, not only on the pitch but also in shaping a winning culture. With 98 goals in 111 matches for the club, he maintains an impressive form, helping Al-Nassr lead the Saudi Pro League by 12 points. Ronaldo’s professionalism and competitive spirit positively influence his teammates, including Martínez, who is rapidly adapting to the Saudi football environment.
In just this season, Ronaldo has scored 5 goals in 6 appearances across all competitions and recently raised his total goals for Portugal to 143, aiming for a career milestone of 1,000 goals. His new contract worth 257 million euros makes him the highest-paid player globally, but Ronaldo’s main motivation remains victory and performance, not financial figures.
Al-Nassr is leveraging the blend of Martínez’s European experience and Ronaldo’s hunger for success to build a powerful and ambitious team. With CR7 still fully dedicated to football, the question is: can he continue breaking all limits and setting new records in the Saudi Pro League?